Low back pain is very common among
adults and is often caused by overuse and muscle strain or injury. Treatment
can help you stay as active as possible. And it will help you understand that
some continued or repeated back pain is not surprising or dangerous.

Most low back pain can get better if you stay
active, avoid positions and activities that may increase or cause back pain,
use ice, and take nonprescription pain relievers when you need
them.

When you no longer have acute pain, you may be ready for
gentle strengthening exercises for your stomach, back, and legs, and perhaps
for some stretching exercises. Exercise may not only help decrease low back
pain, but it may also help you recover faster, prevent reinjury to your back,
and reduce the risk of disability from back pain.

Exercises to
reduce low back pain are not complicated and can be done at home without any
special equipment.

It's important that you don't let fear of pain
keep you from trying gentle activity. You should try to be active soon after
noticing pain, and gradually increase your activity level. Too little activity can lead to loss of flexibility,
strength, and endurance, and then to more pain.

Most
people who have back pain naturally feel better by doing certain motions. Some
feel better sitting (their back and hips are flexed). Others feel better
standing (back and hips are extended). Exercise that moves you toward your more
comfortable position is usually more successful in treating your back
pain.1 For example, if you are more comfortable
sitting down, exercises that bend you forward—such as partial sit-ups
(curl-ups) and knee-to-chest exercises—may help you.

Talk to your
doctor before you start an exercise program, and only do exercises that do not increase your symptoms.

The most effective exercise programs for chronic low back pain are
designed specifically for you and are supervised.2 For
example, a physical therapist might teach you an exercise program that you can use at home. Then you would see the therapist every so often to check on your progress and
advance your program.

Talk to your doctor or physical therapist if
you are unsure how to do these exercises or if you feel any pain when you are
doing the exercises.

Try to exercise a little bit every day.

Get some type of aerobic exercise, such as
walking, every day. Even a couple of minutes will be helpful, and you can
gradually increase your time.

Choose a couple of stretching and
strengthening exercises that you enjoy doing, or vary them from day to
day.

Ask your doctor or physical therapist whether there are
additional exercises that will work best for you.

Exercises to try if your back pain is eased by standing or lying down: